Chapter XVIII

We celebrate the anniversary of the formation of our corps. St.
Sebastian is stormed and taken. The French pass the Bidassoa
near Vera. Part of the Light Division engaged in that town. The
French attack the Spaniards, and are repulsed. They retreat to
the Bidassoa, and force the bridge of Vera at night. Movements
of the Light Division on this occasion. Lord Aylmer’s brigade
joins the army from England. The left wing of the army passes
the Bidassoa. The Light Division and Spaniards storm the
entrenchments in the pass of Vera. Gallantry of Lieut.-Colonel
Colbourne’s brigade. A French gun-brig destroyed by British
cruisers, in sight of both armies. Horrible weather in our
mountain encampment. Tents continually blown down. Violent
snow-storm. Two Portuguese soldiers of the pickets die from
cold. Pampeluna surrenders. The army invades France. Battle of
the Nivelle. Approach Bayonne. French entrenched camp. Position
of the allied army. Soult reconnoiters our line of pickets.
Skirmishes. The Light Division drives back the French advanced
posts in its front. 336